Activists press officials to put sick-leave proposal to voters

Workers' advocates pushing for mandatory sick time failed to gather enough signatures to bring their measure to the Orange County Commission today, but they're hoping it's not too late to earn a spot on the November ballot.

Late Monday, Citizens for a Greater Orange County was still likely a few thousand petition signatures shy of the 43,605 needed to make the ballot. But activists hope the large number of signatures still flowing in — and polling data showing widespread support — will convince County Mayor Teresa Jacobs to schedule a special meeting to consider the proposal before ballots are printed.

Activists expect to collect enough signatures within the next week, and once that happens, the County Commission has 30 days to vote to place the question on a ballot. But the commission doesn't have another meeting scheduled until Aug. 28, a week after Elections Supervisor Bill Cowles wants to start printing the Nov. 6 ballots.

"We believe the County Commission should take this matter up as soon as possible," said activist Stephanie Porta. "The deadline for us gathering petitions really depends on how much the County Commission cares about our local economy and the health and welfare of our residents."

Results of a poll released Monday show heavy support for the initiative among Orange County voters. The poll commissioned by Citizens for a Greater Orange County found that 67 percent of residents likely to vote in November support the measure, while 26 percent oppose it.

Support is stronger among minorities, women and young voters, according to the poll, which claims a 4.4 percentage-point margin of error among 500 people surveyed by phone a month ago.

If approved by voters, the initiative would require employers with 15 or more workers to provide paid time off to employees who are sick or caring for a sick family member. Both full- and part-time employees would earn one hour of sick time for every 37 hours they work, to a maximum of 56 hours per year.

Employers with fewer than 15 workers would not have to provide paid sick time but could not penalize those who take unpaid time off when they are ill.

Last week, several business groups filed suit against the initiative, challenging the ballot language as misleading. At the same time — the Central Florida Partnership, an umbrella organization over several groups, including the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce — plans to launch a political-style campaign against it if it makes it on the ballot, according to an email Partnership President Jacob Stuart recently sent to area chambers of commerce.

Volunteers and paid workers began submitting petition signatures to Cowles' office in mid-June. The organization turns in more than 1,000 a day, and about 3,400 were submitted Monday.

Still, Cowles said the County Commission or a court must direct him to place the question on the November ballot by Aug. 21. He said he doesn't want to wait an extra week to print ballots, which must be mailed out by Sept. 21. So it may have to wait for another election, he said.

"I need all that time," said Cowles, noting that Orange will have its longest ballot ever, and other computer programming and testing work goes into the process.

Jacobs has said she would not call a special meeting for the sick-leave effort, which she opposes. But the mayor also said she would not be "obstructionist" if voters want to have a say on it.

Port said the strong petition and polling support shown so far should send a message to county commissioners and Cowles.

Activists plan to ask county commissioners today to call a special meeting or ask Cowles to delay printing ballots a week until county leaders meet again Aug. 28.

"They should do what's right by their voters," Porta said. "I think they still have time."